How to apply key aspects of scientific methodology to new scenarios

The scientific method is a process created in the seventeenth century through which hypotheses are developed, tested and either proven or disproven. It is the organized process of determining the accuracy of scientific theories through careful observation and experimentation.

The scientific method consists of six steps:

Define purpose

Construct hypothesis

Test the hypothesis and collect data

Analyze data

Draw conclusion

Communicate result

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Example #1: Freezing Water

Consider how the scientific method applies in this simple experiment with freezing water under two different conditions.

Define Purpose: I want to know if water freezes faster on its own or with sugar added to it.

Construct Hypothesis: The null hypothesis is that there will be no difference in how long it takes the water to freeze, whether or not it has sugar added to it. The alternative hypothesis is that there will be a statistically significant difference in freezing time between the two scenarios.

Test Hypothesis and Collect Data: Fill two identical containers with the same amount of room temperature water. Add a measured amount of sugar to one of the containers. Place the two containers into the freezer. At regular intervals of 15 minutes, open the freezer and observe the status of the water in each container. Continue until both have completely frozen. Write down the time it took for each container of water to reach a fully frozen level.

Analyze Data: Look at the time it took for each container of water to freeze. Did the water with sugar added take a significantly longer or shorter amount of time to freeze?

Draw Conclusion: Based on the results of your experiment, come to a conclusion as to whether water with sugar freezes faster, slower, or at the same rate as water without sugar added.

Communicate Results: Report your findings in the form of a written report as an oral presentation.